Reserve force helps Roman to bridge gap
NOT a bad day at the office for Roman Abramovich.
First, Prime Minister Boris Johnson talks tough and warns of sanctions after Russia’s incursion into Ukraine – before leaving the Chelsea owner’s £200million British property empire untouched.
Then Abramovich settles down to enjoy his Champions League holders placing one boot into this season’s quarter-finals.
While the questions continue over what the tinderbox in the Donbas region of Ukraine means for British football, we appear already to have the answer – not much.
Yes, Chelsea may have to defend their crown in Portugal rather than St Petersburg but if they make it back to the final they can live with that kind of minor inconvenience.
The reality is that Abramovich can watch from afar while, just like his homeland, his asset attempts to conquer more territories.
For the past decade or so, supporters have been able to enjoy serenading opposition fans with chants of “We’ve won it all!”
With the Club World Cup in the bag that really was the case earlier this month. And with the quality at their disposal in this competition there is every chance of Chelsea retaining the Champions League.
Forget the fluidity of their classy front line and their beating of the French champions Lille in second gear, for just a second.
Look at the Blues’ firepower in reserve: a £70million keeper in Kepa Arrizabalaga, a £100million striker in Romelu Lukaku, above, a £60million midfielder in Jorginho and, in Mason Mount, the best young player to come from Chelsea’s academy since John Terry.
They will probably start on Sunday when Chelsea contest yet another final, the Carabao Cup, against Liverpool at Wembley.
It’s no wonder Abramovich is resting easier than you right now.